Fall River Church With Lizzie Borden and Aerosmith History Goes Up for Sale
The magnificent Central Congregational Church in Fall River has just been listed for sale.
The 148-year-old downtown church on Rock Street is on the National Register of Historic Places — and for good reason. It's rich in history, including rock 'n' roll history.
Perhaps most notable: This is where Fall River's most infamous resident, Lizzie Borden, was a super-active congregant before she was accused in 1892 of killing her father and stepmother with a hatcher in their home a few blocks away.
Lizzie, who counted teaching Sunday school among her church activities, returned after her acquittal in 1893 only to get the cold shoulder from everyone else, and it's said she never set foot in the place again. Today, the church is a regular stop on Lizzie Borden's Fall River Ghost Tour, a nightly walking tour offered by The Historic Lizzie Borden House.
The 17,160-square-foot property was listed July 18, one day before what would have been Lizzie's 163rd birthday.
It can be yours for $1.5 million.
The Protestant church once home to the Bordens has been used for various purposes since services ended many years ago, including two iterations of The Abbey Grille restaurant. It also was once a culinary academy and most recently an event center.
What this special place will become now is anyone's guess. As the listing on Here Realty puts it, "The Historic Abbey eagerly awaits an ambitious visionary to write the next chapter of its story."
Maybe that means more music videos?
In the early 1990s, Aerosmith shot the video for their hit song "Cryin'" in the church, and people are still buzzing about it.
Built in the Ruskinian-Gothic style by renowned Boston firm Hartwell & Swasey, the church maintains its architectural integrity. I could definitely see lots of wedding ceremonies and receptions held here. Imagine having Lizzie Borden-themed invitations sent out.
Take a look at the pictures of this beauty, including the stunning arched ceiling and windows that you just don't see anymore. The place even appears to have a wood iron stove — you know, for all the pizza parties you can have at church.
Hey, it's said Lizzie was given a welcome-home party here after returning from a four-month European vacation in 1890.
Yes, it appears there might be some minor upgrades needed and the cost certainly excludes a great number of folks.
That said, owning a piece of history like this, no matter the price, could be priceless.